This book is a monographic treatment of all the 269 species of the Gelechiidae, a family of Microlepidoptera, known to be present in North-West Europe.
The area covered comprises the Nordic countries, the Baltic countries, the Netherlands, the British Isles, the northern part of Poland and the northern part of Germany. All species are illustrated in colour, and structural details including genitalia are shown to facilitate identi?cation. There are numerous photographs documenting the early stages and the moths’ natural resting positions. To give accurate descriptions and present the species distribution, the authors have examined thousands of specimens in museums and private collections and the distribution of each species is mapped. Gelechiid moths are highly specific in their choice of habitat and foodplants and are especially sensitive to the ongoing destruction of their natural habitats. The present treatment gives important information for conservationists working to save remaining unspoilt areas.
One species new to science is described in the book. Keld Gregersen (born 1943 in Århus, Denmark) qualified as a psychologist, and has worked as such for most of his professional life. Butterflies and moths have been his hobby since his youth, and he has worked continuously with the Gelechiidae since 1994. His main interest is the genitalmorphology of ditrysian Lepidoptera. He has published contributions on Microlepidoptera, sometimes in joint authorship. Ole Karsholt (born 1948 in Copenhagen, Denmark) is a self-taught lepidopterist who has studied the Gelechiidae since 1969. He was a teacher for 10 years and subsequently employed for 35 years at the Zoological Museum in Copenhagen, where he has cared for the museum’s huge collection of butterflies and moths. He has published 340 scientific papers and books on Lepidoptera, especially on the Gelechiidae, but also checklists and catalogues, mostly in collaboration with lepidopterists from many countries. From 1973 to 2021 Ole has, usually with others, described 211 species of Microlepidoptera which were new to science.
Product information
Authors: Keld Gregersen & Ole Karsholt
ISBN: 9788299692335
Publisher: Norwegian Entomological Society
Released: 2022
Format: Hardback
Pages: 939